Legendary Goalies

Location: Maple Leaf Square

Date photo taken: 30 January 2021

As part of their centennial celebrations, the Maple Leafs decided to bring some of the most loved and respected players from the franchise's history out to meet the fans. Over the course of four years, fourteen life-sized bronze statues of Leafs greats were added to an installation on the west side of the arena. Johnny Bower, on the left, was one of the first to be added to Legends Row, in September 2014. He won four Stanley Cups during his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing for them from 1958 to 1970. Turk Broda, on the right, spent his entire career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing from 1935 to 1951.

CPR Memorial Tablet

Location: Union Station

Date photo taken: 11 November 2020

During the First World War more than 11,000 employees of the Canadian Pacific Railway enlisted in the war effort. Of those, 1,116 gave their lives. This large bronze plaque is one of 23 identical memorials created by the Canadian Pacific Railway to honour their sacrifice. It was designed by Archibald Pearce of the company’s Engineering Department and features the following inscription:

This tablet commemorates those in the service of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company who at the call of King and Country left all that was dear to them, endured hardship, faced danger and finally passed out of sight of men by the path of duty and self sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those who come after see to it that their names be not forgotten.

The names of the fallen, wounded and missing were not memorialized in bronze, but they were recorded in the pages of Canadian Railway and Marine World. 

Immigrant Family

 

Location: 18 Yonge Street

Date photo taken: 12 May 2021

American artist Tom Otterness is known for creating installations that bring humour and joy to public spaces. I myself can still remember the wonder I felt when I discovered his cartoonish characters festooning the New York subway. For his Toronto-based work, commissioned by Lanterra Developments for its property at 18 Yonge Street, the theme is a little less whimsical but heart-warming all the same. First envisioned as a group of tourists visiting the city, the sculpture morphed into this immigrant family grouping after a nudge from the developer. Toronto is, after all, a city of immigrants and the condo sits between Union Station and the port, both of which have been gateways for countless  newcomers. 

Tentacles

 

Location: Bremner Blvd.

Date photo taken: 1 July 2021

It made me smile when I spotted this on the pavement outside the Ripley's Aquarium. I think this is actually a film that's been applied to the ground, but it reminded me a bit of the sweet little chalk drawings that David Zinn creates. Unfortunately he lives in Michigan, but that's not that far - I live in hope that he'll visit Toronto one day. 

CNR Caboose

Location: Roundhouse Park

Date photo taken: 11 November 2020

This is Canadian National Caboose #79144 and it is one of many outdoor exhibits accessible to the public at the Toronto Railway Museum despite COVID closures. While the museum itself is closed, the adjoining Roundhouse Park is dotted with outdoor exhibits which include structures, such as the 1896 Don Station, as well as train cars like this one. 

This caboose actually started out life as a boxcar. Built in 1920, it hauled goods for years until wooden boxcars became obsolete. CN, rather than off -loading them, converted many, including this one, into cabooses. In the early days, the caboose provided a home away from home for those who worked on the train, but over time, the need for such accommodation lessened. Eventually it became more of an office on wheels. The cute little raised portion was where the conductor or brakeman could sit to keep an eye on the train.

If you want to support the Toronto Railway Museum, or just love trains, you might want to get yourself a ticket for "Royal Train Tours of Canada", the first in the museum's 2021 series of virtual lectures.

Glenn

 

Location: Outside the Glenn Gould Studio, CBC Building, Front St.W.

Date photo taken: 27 March 2013

 

If you're not paying attention, it's easy to walk right by this statue, mistaking it for a living, breathing person taking a rest on the bench. The life size bronze sculpture of legendary Canadian pianist Glenn Gould was created by Ontario artist Ruth Abernethy. He appears appropriately bundled for our current weather, but those familiar with Gould's eccentricities will know that he often wore warm clothing even when the weather didn't warrant it. He was also a recluse who hated being touched, but today anyone can take a seat beside him, rest their hand on his knee, or rub his shoe for luck.

 

If you're a fan of Glenn Gould or want to learn more about him, you can download the Tiny Guide To Glenn Gould's Toronto which highlights some of Gould's favourite places in the city. It was produced by the Glenn Gould Foundation.